Channeling Jackie O

As I slipped on my sweet potato-colored shift dress, gold flower pearl earrings, bone-colored peep toe platform pumps, pearl/gold hair clip and elephant pin, I couldn't help but be astonished at the fact that my junior year of college was coming to a close. I thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm forgetting my ring and bracelet!" -- Ha. No. -- I actually thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm a summer away from finishing my college career (unless I decide to go to Grad school) and I'm preparing for my 2nd to last Student Government Association formal as an undergrad." Gallivanting around campus and basking in my new life venture as a "college kid" seemed like it was just yesterday. Freshman year, where did you go?

The formal was Friday and I decided to channel Jackie O. I've always considered my style to be inspired by the 1960's, so it felt right to don the orange frock to the left. The dress is from Target's Merona Collection, which I absolutely love. I've grown to be a big fan of the Merona brand from Target, especially the dresses. All the dresses are always classically chic and can be dressed up or dressed down.

Anyway, I paired the tangy dress with mostly gold and light-colored accessories. I didn't want to look too Halloween-like so I made sure to sport bone-colored pumps from Aldo and my bag is from Zara. The only thing I regret about the outfit is not ironing down the creases from the dresses fold. But I kind of think it adds to the primp and proper look, no? Charlotte York would be very proud...

Photos by Scarlett Hubbard

xoxo

Outfit Post: Barbie Pink Nails, Jeffrey Campbell & Jeggings

It was unusually warm in New York yesterday, but HEY, I'm not complaining! I was able to go outside in just my long gray sweater and cropped black satin jacket. And as promised, I said I'd be doing more outfit posts... when I have the time. It's midterm season and I took a break from studying, grabbed one of my best gal pals who's a photographer (she snapped this photo of me) and had a mini photo shoot. Oh, and did I mention I like jeans again? I know I ruled them off, but after going through two pairs of American Apparel leggings in 4 months, I decided it was time for me to suck it up, enter the denim trenches and find a good pair of jeans. In fact, I found FOUR great pair of jeans thanks to American Rag from Macy's. My dears, jeans aren't a lost cause! I also painted my nails Barbie Pink. I don't know the exact name of the color (it wasn't on the bottle?), but the pink nail polish is by POP Nail Glam and the glitter is from Nicole by OPI. I became obsessed with glittery nail polish over the summer. It's a growing addiction that I am proud of. I love working in an industry where my crazy nail color is appreciated!

WHAT I'M WEARING: My jacket and sweater are from H&M, my jeggings--yes, I said JEGGINGS--are from American Rag, my shoes are Jeffrey Campbell (<333!!!) and my sunglasses are Chanel.

Kicking it in the unusually warm weather!


Pulling up my jeggings!


Return of the jumping picture!


Woo! Super Secretista!


Super excited about my nails! Childhood is calling.


A closer look at the nails.


Jeffrey Campbell, Je t'adore.


Oh, it is love.

Photos by Scarlett Hubbard.

xoxo

Elephants in Fashion: Diesel 2010 "Be Stupid" Campaign

And, I'm back! The Fall 2010 season of New York Fashion Week was beyond amazing. I seriously love my internship (more than life?). I met so many amazingly new people within the industry and can't wait to meet/work with them some time in the near future. The highlight of NYFW for me was hands down the IFB Fashion Blog Conference, which I blogged about on the TeenVogue website. After attending the conference, I have never been more proud to be a blogger. I seriously love this shit (excuse my filthy mouth). And by shit, I mean blogosphere.

Anyway, while I spent my President's Day weekend trotting from fashion show and/or event to another in my new Jeffrey Campbell wedges, I noticed Diesel's new advertisement in the frigid subways of New York. Diesel's new ad campaign for 2010 grasped my attention for two reasons: 1. The Elephant (DUH!) 2. The slogan. "Be Stupid." I actually don't get how it correlates to the company. If someone does, please explain.

I've decided to devote more time to blogging. I'm probably going to go back to taking pictures of my outfits, with the help of one of my photographer friends of course. I really feel like I've lost my sense of fashion experimentation and documenting it may actually help enhance my fashion imagination!

xoxo

Go Hard in 2010!

Long gone are the days when my elementary school teachers would force me and my lunch trading classmates to write our "New Year Resolutions" down on bell shaped cutouts. I can wholeheartedly remember that I would always write, "Get better grades and be nicer to my brother (HAHA)." I really can't believe it's been a full decade in the new millennium. 10 years ago I was graduating from 5th grade and jammin' out to Vitamin C's "Graduation Friends Forever" song. Ah, good times.

A new year to me means a fresh start. 2009 brought me amazing opportunities and occasions, but I expect 2010 to be an even bigger year for me (and hopefully for you too)! Resolutions have never been my thing, but this year I decided to make one resolution. And that is, to go hard or go home (like Rihanna). I really just want to get the most out of this year, so expect more out of me blog-wise readers. I just might go back to doing outfit posts. Speaking of outfit posts, I forgot to document my no-more-jeans adventure. Pictures will be coming soon! Did you make any resolutions?

I turn 21 in 19 days!

Here's a picture of me approximately 20 years ago. Looks like red has always been my favorite color:

xoxo

The Problem With Jeans

I give up! Jeans suck. I can never find the perfect pair. And when I do, they don't last me more than 6 months because of my thunder thighs and bodacious rump shaker.

Last August, to keep with my high-waisted skinny jean fad, I bought two more pairs for the school year from what I call "The Curvy Girl Store." I say that because all the mannequins look like two giant basketballs landed on their back side. Nevertheless, I thought, "I found THE perfect store. Finally, a place where a girl like me could find jeans that would fit her correctly and will last!" I was wrong. The jeans fit all right, but as far as being everlasting, guess again. The jeans lasted me until December. And when both jeans began to rip, I was low on cash, so I went a good four months not wearing any skinny jeans. Nothing but leggings, tights and the one pair of wide-leg jeans I own (which I might add have lasted me for almost two years).

One of my favorite pair of jeans. The high-waisted skinny. Yum.

So to get to the point, I've noticed that mostly my skinny jeans tend to rip and end up in my trash can 6 months after the purchase. Could this be because I probably wear them more than once a week? Or could it be the poor quality of the jean? No. I think jeans just suck. They are lovely to wear, but frustrating to buy. Down with jeans!

xoxo

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An Outfit Post: What's The Point?

I haven't done an outfit post in a while. I started this blog posting my outfits because I was searching for my style, my fashion voice. Over the past year, I grew-up. I became "one" with the person I am. As corny as that may sound, what I mean is that I'm past the stage in my life (at least I hope so) where I am uncomfortable with myself. I am confident in the person I have become, and I am confident in the fashion choices I make. So long are the days where I let my insecurities get the best of me. Well, who am I kidding? Our insecurities will always come up and bite us every now and then; but for now, mine are to the minimum. My point is, I just never see the point in posting my outfits anymore. I'm not sure if they serve as inspiration or as an example of me being narcissistic because I enjoy taking pictures of myself--haha! Whatever the purpose my outfit posts serve as, I may never know. But for now, I'm just sharing my current style.

Mom's chiffon button-down blouse.
Old Navy tunic dress. H&M belt. H&M legging pants.
ALDO over-the-knee boots. Michelle Roy necklace. Dooney & Bourke watch.

I owe this outfit to my current internship. Working in a place where majority of the people look like they stepped out of the pages from the very same magazine they work for is pretty sweet and inspiring.

---
Secretista

This Should Be Interesting

I almost never do tags. It's only because I'm not sure if you lovely readers are interested in my life. But I guess you must be if you're reading my blog--haha! I sometimes wonder if I really am that interesting? I hope so. Well, I've been tagged by the ever-so-cute Little Bow Prep, and I actually think this tag will be interesting.

My heart in one picture:

Richard Avedon.
Quite possibly the greatest fashion photographer to ever live.

My heart in one poem:

The Red Wheelbarrow
William Carlos Williams

so much depends
upon

a red wheel
barrow

glazed with rain
water

beside the white
chickens.

While others claim that this poem has a deeper meaning, I refuse to believe that. This poem is simply sweet.

My heart in one item of clothing:

I LOVE my over-the-knee boots from ALDO.

My heart in one song:

Jesse McCartney -- Runnin'

My heart in one place:

New York City (DUH!)

My heart in one Disney Princess:

Cinderella

My heart in one quote:

"I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I’m out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best." Marilyn Monroe

You're all tagged.

---
Secretista

Ugly Secretista

Ugly Betty is one of my favorite shows. It has all the good elements a prime time show should have: drama, sentiment and comedy. I sometimes wonder if my future will somewhat be similar to the life of the main character Betty Suarez--without the ugly/drama of course. She works at a fictional fashion magazine entitled MODE (MODE magazine has a website. Why? I'm not sure.). I just want the part of her life where she is working at a face-paced magazine and dressing awkwardly chic. Nevertheless, the outfit I wore today sort of reminded me of Betty Suarez.

---
Secretista

My College Fashion

We've all got our favorite fashion era, and for me, it happens to be the 1960s. As one of the defining periods for fashion, I just love how simple or daring the outfits of the 1960s were. So as I have to go back-to-school shopping in a week, I can't help but wonder, "what could I wear that will reflect my love for the 60s?" Well first things first, I must educate myself on 60s fashion (you should too, it's fabulous!), for it's much more than the little black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn.

I've mocked up a typical everyday outfit for my life as a college student. Imagine, the day's temperature is in the high 70s and the sun is shinning ever so brightly. I have class at 9 am, but I missed my 8 am alarm and it's now 8:30. I have 20 minutes to get ready. What do I wear?! Well...

All from Forever 21

Dress. I believe every girl should own at least one dress. Once again, call me old fashion, but a dress is the ultimate way to look instantly put together and cute! During the school year I live in dresses because I have a lot of missed alarm mornings and a dress makes me feel presentable.

Hat. Err... who has time to do their hair when they've got 20 minutes to get ready?! All I need to do is comb my hair down and throw on a hat. Voila! I don't have to worry about what my hair looks like all day.

Clutch. I have classes back-to-back-to-back from 9 am - 9 pm (usually), so I have a big bag I use to carry all my books and an extra bag will just be a nuisance. I always put most of my necessities in a clutch and throw it in the ginormous bag.

Flats. Uh, does this need an explanation? I love walking around in heels on campus, but sometimes a good flat is what I really need to make sure I make it to class on time and with feet intact.

Jacket. It's always important to carry a jacket or scarf. I can always count on the classrooms to be at least 20 degrees below the outside temperature.

Sunglasses. Hm. You can figure this one out.

What era influences your fashionology?

---
Secretista

Monday Obsession: Intuition

We all have it. It's that inner voice that tells us what to do. Sometimes we ignore it and sometimes we listen to it, but most of the time, that little voice a.k.a your intuition is right.

This morning I missed my normal train because I couldn't decide what to wear... sort of. You see, I have what I call a style intuition; I take a look at my closet the night before and then I instantly know what I should wear. However, when the next morning comes, I go against my style intuition and put something else on--only to realize that I don't like it. And guess what I end up wearing? The original outfit I mocked up in my head! So when I start rushing to my destination, I'm constantly saying, "You need to trust your intuition. YOU NEED TO TRUST YOUR INTUITION!"

Sadly, this isn't the first I've ignored my intuition (style or not). For a while I battled with a strong issue of self-doubt, but I guess most of us have at one point, right? It's taken me years to trust that inner voice of mine and although I think I've come a long way from the prepubescent girl who never trusted her own judgement, I still battle with self-doubt every now and then, i.e today. Anyone the same?

---
Secretista

P.S. The suggestions on yesterday's post as to what I should do about my little visitors were funny and helpful! I'm not sure what I want to do, but I'd like to kill them. However, these spiders scare me. I can usually kill spiders because during the last school year, my roommate would not kill the creepy crawlies in our room and I was not about to go to bed with a spider or whatever going for a joy crawl in our room, so I had to MAN up. Hmm. Well. I go back to school in about two weeks so I won't have to see them for another 3 months. Let's hope by then their long gone.

Monday Obsession: Cupcakes

...what a surprise, NOT! After work today, I decided to head uptown to Buttercup Bake Shop, and I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. The cake is amazing, but the icing isn't exactly my favorite. It makes me wonder why anyone would want one of their icing shots. Yes, I said ICING SHOTS. The icing is too rich and I found a piece of plastic in the icing of my red velvet cupcake (yikes!). Sadly, that didn't stop me from finishing it (HEY. I paid 6 bucks!), but what's so great about this bake shop is that with at least two cupcakes you get a free drink! Buttercup Bake Shop, you are in last place on my cupcake list.

Besides eatable cupcakes, there's me (unless you're a cannibal)! Today's outfit is little girl and cupcake inspired. Okay lovelies, prepare to use your imagination. In my head, my trapeze dress is the cupcake while my silver sequenced kicks are kind of like the icing on top of the cupcake. I think the shoes add a sweet, pretty, and unique touch to the outfit. What do you think? Anyone else have food inspired outfits?

---
Secretista

Tuesday's Thoughts

I'm a little overwhelmed. School payments are coming up, my summer vaca is over in uh 3 weeks, I work 5 days a week, and I haven't had time to chillax and do bikram yoga. Thus, I haven't had time to visit blogs :[.

In times like these, I guess it's best if I create a vision board. A vision board will usually keep you focus on what is or should be important to you. For me, my vision board is really just a few of my favorite things ... and then I don't feel soooo bad (Sound of Music reference)!

1. College friends. BOO. It's almost time to go back to school! I'm going back to school 3 weeks early to start training as a Resident Assistant. Thus, my summer break is cut short. I'm kind of excited though because I can't wait to be an R.A and see all my friends again!

2. Best gal pals. Summer's about spending time with lovely friends, but we're all grown up (almost) and there are times when we spend weekends and countless hours together. And there are times when we won't see each other for a week or two.

3. High waisted jeans. I went jean shopping a couple days ago and well, I went overboard. I'm obsessed with high waisted jeans... and jumpsuits. I could live in them!

4. Giambattista Valli. Does he really need an explanation? I believe we were lovers in our past life and we'll be lovers 'til the end of time. Period.

5. CUPCAKES! CUPCAKES! Is this a surprise? I can't wait to spend a whole Saturday in Manhattan taste testing all the recommended cupcake shops!

6. Elephants. They're always on my mind, but this famous photograph taken by infamous photographer Richard Avedon is truly divine.

Today's outfit makes me feel like one of the men from the movie 300--minus the chizzled muscles of course. Ha! "FASHION LOVERS! TONIGHT. WE DINE IN... VOGUE!"

---
Secretista

Intern and The City: Food For Thought

Today my editor made me realize something; I need to chill the heck out (not her exact words, but my interpretation). Determined to finish whatever I was working on, I ignored my grumbling stomach. It was approaching 1 and while everyone left their desk chairs to go eat, I didn't. Not smart on my part. However, once it turned 1, she made sure I had food in my bellay. She's so darling :).

I sometimes wonder why I submerge myself into my work and forget about the world. I do it during the school year too--neglecting my friends because I have to study or start a project... a month ahead of time? Something about mixing work and play is something I never grasped as a child. I once had a conversation with my best friend about this topic and she reminded me about an incident that happened in 5th grade. She asked, "You want to come over and watch a movie?" My response, "Uh, why? It's Friday. I have to do homework!" 9 years later, I can't help but chuckle at that incident. Nevertheless, amongst other things, I'm learning the importance of fun.

So if I didn't escape out of the office for a little bit, I would have missed the oh-so delicious cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop downstairs in the cafeteria. I think I found my new cupcake love affair. Sorry Billy's Bakery, their cupcakes actually stay intact. I think I devoured that cupcake in a matter of seconds. Hoping no one saw me shove it down my throat, I looked over my shoulder and unfortunately saw a co-worker... looking right at me. I hope I didn't have any icing on my face, heh.

My sudden cupcake obsession has got me scoping out all the cupcake shops in Manhattan. After I visit Crumbs Bake Shop, my next stop is sugar Sweet sunshine. I think CosmoGIRL! was on to something about cupcakes being this season’s latest accessory. Do you agree?

---
Secretista

What Is This Break You Speak Of?

I felt like a housewife today. It was my first day off since summer break began and it was filled with nothing but errands and household chores. I'm glad my to-do list is over, but I feel like I should have gone into work (my internship) today anyway. There's a lot going on at the office lately, so I wanted to be there for my editors and just alleviate the stress. However, I was told by my parents and friends that if I was told I didn't have to come in, I shouldn't. Apparently, my parents and friends think I need a break. A long conversation with my best friend ended in me unwillingly agreeing to stay home and "rest". What is this "rest" you people talk about?

So in order to be comfortable all day, I wore leggings and a plain white tee. I never wear leggings unless my ankles are covered up, but uh I made an exception today. What do you think about leggings?

---
Secretista

Weekend Delights: Slow Down

This weekend my friends reminded me that ONE, I do have friends and TWO, I need to slow down and appreciate life. Some of us live in a fast-paced world and I unfortunately contribute to it. I am guilty of getting so caught up in my family and work duties that I don't even stop to contact my friends and find out what's going on in their lives. I mean, every now and then I'll send them an "I love you!" or a "What's up?" but nothing beats quality time. Nevertheless, the four of us girlies jumped into one car and headed down to the beach while blasting music, having catch-up conversations, and flirting with cute boys in the next car.

While at the beach, I didn't swim. I'm not much of a swimmer due to a horrific accident as a child where my face was smashed on the ocean's floor--leaving me with open cuts in my mouth from my braces. Oh, and I don't like getting my hair wet (if you're a 'sistah', you'll understand), haha. Well anyway, I decided to wear an orange sundress. The sundress was a big hit on the beach; I caught some cuties looking at me :]. Eh, and a creepy old man making gestures our way. My dress oozed of fun and effervescence that it reminded me of the Resort 2009 Christian Dior collection. I felt like standing by the shore line and letting the ocean wind blow through my dress! Oh wait, I did do that.

Although this weekend was fun, and sent me into a world of giddy girlishness on the verge of adulthood, it's time for me to return back to the fast-paced world of mine. Man, why can't life always be this easy?

---
Secretista

Intern and The City: Such Little Time

It's late and I'm unbelievably drained from the city. It's amazing how a city with so much life can drain so much out of you. Why is that? By the time I get home, it's usually time for me to wind down and sleep. However, I have so much work to do aside from my lovely internship, that I don't go to bed 'til midnightish (and wake up at 6:30 or more like 7:15 with my snooze button). There really just isn't enough time in one day, seriously.

My summer is so busy that I haven't had time to dilly dally with my friends, so when my hippie friend from school called to chit chat, I was oh-so delighted. My friend Alex is the epitome of a modern hippie. Yes, she showers and all that good stuff, but she's so into eating organic foods and saving the environment, that if you dare eat with a plastic fork in front of her, be prepared for a 15 minute speech on the Earth's environment--haha, I love her and I'm going to miss her as she takes a semester off to backpack through Asia.

Well, I only have about a month and a half left of my internship (I know, time flies), and I don't want it to end. This week my editor hit me with even more responsibility that I feel like come fall, I'll be prepared for whatever magazine internship I snag. Hopefully whatever opportunity comes my way this fall I'll learn a lot, because that's what I'm all about--learning new things about the industry of journalism/magazine publishing.

---
Secretista

P.S. Check out the update I wrote today. It's by far my favorite. Hmm. It might be because I once had a slip of the tongue during an interview, but you learn and you move-on. The update is perfectly titled Diarrhea Of The Mouth. Wow, I just love anything to do with bowel movements, don't I?

Monday Shmonday

The other day I stumbled upon Fashion Indie's intern tips. It mentions that you should try and follow the office dress code but still have a little pop of your personality. Now, this got me thinking: what exactly is my workplace's atmosphere? Our office is located on the same floor as Gilt Groupe and I do sometimes feel obligated to dress extra chic, but then again, I'm just me and I guess I should just dress how I want (within reason of course).

If I could pick one way to dress everyday, I would strap of a pair of Giambattista Valli platform heels and trott around in one of his voluminous dresses. If you haven't realized by now, I'm IN LOVE with Giambattista Valli. I dream of being personally styled by him. If I ever met him, I think my heart would stop and then I would ask to try on a dress. What designer do you idolize?

---
Secretista

Shut Up and Drive

Last time I wore this dress I wore it without anything underneath (except some underwear of course). I wasn't sure how it would look with pants because I'm not a big fan of the dress over the jean look or whatever, but, I was surprised how girly the look turned out to be. It's my father's 57th birthday and I wanted to look like his little girl!

So I'm watching the U.S Olympic Trials, and I can't help but reminisce my days as a hardcore athlete. Daddy's little girl was the little (tom)boy he never had. Well I do have an older brother, but he's not into playing sports (Unless you consider video games a sport--hah, it could be.). I guess the fact that I was an athlete fueled my inner-drive to succeed at anything I put my mind to. Anyhow, there's something about competing to be the best in a particular sport that gives me an adrenaline rush similar to the one I get from watching the creations of Giambattista Valli stomp down the runway. The way I see it, winning a competition is just great gratification that all your hard work wasn't for nothing. What gives you your inner-drive?

---
Secretista

Intern and The City: Inspire Me!

Today, I got to sit-in on a staff meeting. This is my second one, but this time it was with the CEO and all hands were on deck! I wasn't sure if I was allowed to have my in-put (I didn't want to anyway), so I just sat there taking notes like a mad woman. I swear, these ladies are so inspiring and creative it makes me want to work harder during my 6 hour shift.

Speaking of inspiring people. My Editor-in-chief at JAYE Magazine is truly darling. He gives advice like no other, and I'm so thankful he's in my life. He's like a personal mentor and I'm so glad that I'm on his staff where I'm writing and learning (a lot). That being said, the July issue of JAYE Magazine is on the web!

I have a question for you all. Why do I always get hit-on by sleazy men? Seriously. It's kind of annoying. I'm not trying to secretly praise myself, but truly vent. Whenever I walk in the city to and from my internship, I always get sleazy comments like:

"Hey chocolate!"
"How you doin' dimples?"
"What's poppin' sunshine?"
Or today's last one was actually kinda nice:
"Hey beautiful, what's your name?"

Sigh, where would the world be without sleazy men? Hmm, I guess the fact that I wore killer pumps today didn't help either. The pumps do ooze sexiness, but I tried to downplay them with my outfit. However, today's outfit was all about the shoes. Imelda you shoe feen--you like? The shoes inspire my inner Diva.

Who or what inspires you?

--

Secretista

Intern and The City: Perspective

My editor returned from her mini-vaca today and she put things in perspective regarding this heatwave we have going on over here in the east coast. Our conversation went something sort of like this:

"So how's everything?"

"Good, Good. Just trying to finish this update for
you."

"That's good, but I mean outside of work."

"Well, it's freakin' hot outside!"

"You guys are funny. You consider this hot, but this is
nothing compared to where I'm from."

And she's right! Although the sudden heatwave is unbearable (sort of), I'm sure it's way above 100º somewhere else. I still think it's disgustingly hot though, haha! I'm not a big fan of hot weather, but I do enjoy wearing cute dresses around this time.

Moving on, today when I was writing an update for my internship, the subject matter justified my love for being a New Jersian! I wrote about paid family leave. In 2009, New Jersey along with Washington will join California in allowing paid family leave for workers who need to take time off to take care of their family. Ahh, not only do we have the lowest gas prices in the country, but our employees will be getting paid leave. We're awesome! Do you have pride for your state, county, ect.?

---
Secretista

P.S. My shoes are on their way!